Navaratri: Science and The Bhakti of Shakti

Hinduism is a science-based religion. All rituals and traditions of Ancient India have deep science behind them. The tradition of Navaratri also has a scientific and spiritual background. In this book, I have attempted to explore the science and spirituality of Navaratri. I have also provided a complete guide on how to worship the Divine Mother, Goddess Shakti.
This book is a presentation style format to provide simple and to-the-point explanations.

Navaratri is a widespread festival in India. It is celebrated across entire Indian states.

“Nav” means 9, “Ra” = that gives Solace, “Tri” = 3 types of Solace. Navaratri or 9 nights when one seeks Solace from all sufferings and gets rejuvenated. Apart from its spiritual significance, Navaratri has profound science behind it.

Most people do not know that there are 4 Navaratris, which are aligned with four seasonal changes. Flu seasons naturally occur when the weather transitions. Two major weather pattern changes are observed in a year.

From winter to summer: Mostly occurs in the months of Spring (Mach-April)
From summer to winter: Mostly occurs in the months of Autumn (Sep-Oct).

1. Maagh Navarati - January – February
2. Vasant Navaratri – March - April
3. Ashad Navaratri - June - July
4. Sharad Navaratri – September - October

As per science, when weather changes following is required:

• Food habit change - Winter and Summer seasons have food habits, so a change in food habits is required when seasonal change occurs.
• Detoxification of the body for 7 to 10 days
• Hygiene – Maintain a high level of hygiene. Navaratri has the following practices which satisfy the above scientific requirements.
  • Simple, less spicy and vegetarian food is eaten during the Navaratri period.
  • More water, juices, and other liquids are consumed, which help in detoxification of the body from the previous weather season.
  • Before prayers, one takes a bath. One to two prayers means 1-2 baths/day, morning and evening. To offer Bhog (first offering of food to a deity), one must prepare it by taking a bath, cleaning the house, kitchen, and all utensils. No one is allowed to touch the food until the offering is complete. So very high standards of hygiene are practised during Navaratri. So, Navaratri, in essence, is preparing ourselves for the seasonal change to help our body to adopt the new season.

Navaratri is the tale of the story of Durga, a fierce form of the Divine Mother who rides a lion and conquers the evil Mahisasura. In Hinduism, the concept of a divine feminine aspect of God can be traced back as far as any written texts and human memory exist. The first text of humanity and Hinduism, called Vedas, contains several aspects of the divine forces of the universe. Ramayana contains prayers of divine mother and Shakti. The tenth day of Sharad Navaratri is known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, where Ram defeated and killed the evil king Ravana. Mahabharat contains prayers of divine mother and Shakti. Several Puran texts fully detail the mother Goddess and praying for Shakti. Markandeya Purana, from Chapter 81 to Chapter 93, is the most influential text of Shaktism. The 700 slokas (verses) of 13 chapters are called Durga Saptashati, Chandi Path, and Devi Mahatyamam. The Puranas originate in oral traditions where stories have been told generations after generations, so the roots of Durga Saptasati go back thousands of years.

Shiva and Shakti: In the Shakta philosophy, Shiva is never changing, eternal, pure consciousness. Shakti is his energy or kinetic power. The universe is a manifestation of this energy. Shiva is the omnipresent and inactive element, the pure consciousness. Meanwhile, Shakti is dynamic. Creation is not possible without both. Hence, they are one.